Dreams are fragile at first – an idea, a hope, a vision. It takes courage to share them. It takes a lot of hard work to make them real. So, as entrepreneurs – with ridiculously big dreams – we need to surround ourselves with people who fuel our dreams and not doubters who shoot them down. This may seem obvious – but what happens when the doubters include a spouse, parents or best friends? Uh-oh! So, I am NOT saying that we should ditch our family & friends. But, we do need to work hard to surround ourselves with people who get it – and who are willing to commit to helping us make our dreams real. In my experience, when we find our dream builders we gain momentum. Then, those that were doubters often come along too. And there’s no more magical feeling in the world, than that moment when you suddenly realize that your dream is in the process of coming true. Who are the dream builders in your life?

-- Mark Haney, The entrepreneur next door

HOMETOWN NEWS

Apply now: Capitalize Pitch CompetitionHaneyBiz is excited to support the fourth annual Kings Capitalize, the NBA’s first crowdsourced startup pitch contest showcasing local entrepreneurs. Startups from all industries within 75 miles of Sacramento may submit their company for this year’s contest, with the application window ending on Sunday, February 24, 11:59 p.m. The Capitalize competition will culminate at the Kings annual Tech Night at Golden 1 Center on Thursday, April 4. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize to help further advance their company. Visit Kings.com/Capitalize to begin the application process.AR/VR Accelerator Connects Companieswith Industry Thought LeadersIf the world of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is not yet on your radar, it’s time to realize the future is now! The Capital Region AR VR Accelerator, www.crarvraccelerator.com announced that EndeavorVR Founder/CEO Amy Peck has become a Venture Partner with the organization. Peck brings unique industry insights to the Accelerator as a highly-recognized and respected thought leader in Virtual and Augmented Reality. Amy was on hand this past week at the Accelerator site at the Allegiant Giving Center/HaneyBiz Headquarters facility in Rocklin serving as both a guest Subject Matter Expect and as a mentor to the start-ups participating in the current cohort.

Folsom Development Recognized Nationally Mike Paris’s Blackpine Communities residential development company continues to excel and is now receiving national acclaim. Blackpine’s Farmhouse community in Folsom has been named a Silver Award Finalist in the National Association of Home Builders annual Best Sales and Marketing Awards, Best Single Detached Home Model Under 2,000 square feet.

Next Week on The Mark Haney ShowSteve Metzgar, the founder of Sierra College Auto Fair, and co-founder of Sleep Choice,Tiffani Sharp, Esp., the President of Willow Tree Roots, andVictoria Furlow, the co-founder of Empress CHAI YOK Studios